Journalist Jay Ingram among honorary degree recipients at McMaster fall convocation ceremonies

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/ingram.jpg” caption=”Jay Ingram”]Canadian broadcaster Jay Ingram will join other noted educators at McMaster University's fall convocation ceremonies Friday, Nov. 12 at Hamilton Place. Almost 900 students will receive degrees at morning and afternoon ceremonies.

One of Canada's most recognizable faces of science, Jay Ingram will receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree at the 2:30 p.m. ceremony on Friday. Through his career as a journalist, Ingram has played a key role in enhancing our understanding of scientific concepts and applying them to the world around us. Ingram will address graduates of the faculties of engineering, science, and health sciences. Graduate and post-graduate diplomas will also be granted at the afternoon ceremony.

Zheng Shao Lian, a mathematician and economist at Fudan University in Hong Kong, and Ian Spenser, a professor emeritus in the Department of Chemistry at McMaster, will also receive honorary degrees.

Lian, who will speak at the 9:30 a.m. convocation for graduates from the faculties of business, humanities, social sciences, and the arts & science program, will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree. Lian has been a leader in the process of involving China actively in the world economy.

Spenser has been a leader in the field of biological organic chemistry for half a century. He has worked extensively in both North America and Europe but left his most important legacy at McMaster University. Spenser will receive an honorary doctor of science degree at the afternoon ceremony.

Distinguished Alumni Awards for both arts and science will also be awarded. Michael Ellenzweig, executive director, Canadian Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders (CIMBL), who graduated from McMaster with a bachelor of arts degree in 1970, will receive the 2004 McMaster University Distinguished Alumni Award for the arts at the morning ceremony. Robert Dynes, president of the University of California, who graduated from McMaster University with a master of science in 1965 and PhD in physics in 1968 will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for the sciences at the afternoon ceremony.